Chapter 2

I looked up at Ivan and studied every flicker of emotion on his face. I thought if I could see even a hint of happiness, I might be able to forget everything that happened in the hospital.

However, Ivan's expression was nothing but panic, and then, for a brief second, disgust.

My stomach twisted, and my heart tightened. I felt suffocated.

"That's good news, Lia. I'll take care of you and be a good father."

He turned his head away as he spoke.

I knew Ivan couldn't lie. His eyes always gave his true feelings away.

I felt drained all of a sudden. I forced a smile and said, "I was just kidding. I'm not pregnant."

Ivan looked back and chided with slight reproach, "You shouldn't joke about something like that."

Yet, I saw relief in his eyes.

That night, Ivan slept soundly beside me.

Meanwhile, I couldn't stop tossing and turning as I stared at Yuna's recent social media post. Earlier, I had messaged Iris, and she had shared with me Yuna's Instagram profile.

"Cordelia, my parents and I support you. Don't let that homewrecker steal Ivan from you."

Yuna didn't post much about her personal life. In her latest photo, she was leaning against a broad shoulder, her face bare of makeup. The caption read, "With you by my side, I fear nothing."

My gaze landed on the brooch I had carefully picked out for Ivan for our wedding anniversary. After staring at it for too long, my eyes began to sting with tears. One slipped down my cheek silently.

A wave of panic welled up inside me, and I instinctively turned to wrap my arms around Ivan as though holding him tighter might make him stay by my side forever.

I had never told him that I fell for him at first sight. My parents didn't like him as they sensed his indifference toward me. Nevertheless, I refused to give up.

Ivan was the first and only man I ever loved. I didn't want to live with regret, so I had stubbornly married him while believing that one day, I could win his heart.

But now, with Yuna back in the picture, all that confidence had crumbled the moment I saw them together at the hospital.

…

The next morning, I woke to find Ivan already gone.

On the table was one of his usual notes.

"Lia, I've got a client meeting today, so I'll be home late. Don't wait up and get some rest."

I fought back the discomfort in my stomach and texted Iris.

"Iris, do you happen to know where Yuna lives?"

Iris' reply was quick, "Are you planning to confront her? I'll come with you!"

I smiled as I responded, "No. I just want to meet her. Don't tell Ivan."

Iris immediately agreed.

After putting my phone down, I felt a wave of fatigue wash over me. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and was surprised by how thin and pale I'd become.

When had I started looking so worn out?

Later, I applied elegant makeup and made my way to Yuna's place.

When Yuna answered the door, I was greeted by her striking bare face. I felt a sharp pang in my chest as I thought it was no wonder Ivan couldn't forget her.

"Who are you?" she asked warily.

Could she not know Ivan was married?

I shook my head to dismiss the thought, then introduced myself graciously. "Hello, I'm Ivan's wife, Cordelia Lange. You must be his good friend, Yuna."

Although Yuna's face turned pale at my words, she still invited me inside.

She gave me a quick once-over before saying softly, "Ms. Lange, nothing is going on between Ivan and me. I came back to the country to get medical treatment."

Images of her resting against Ivan's shoulder flashed through my mind.

I smiled faintly and said, "I know. If you need anything, let me know. My father's the hospital director—he knows a lot of people."